Integrated gambling process for games with explicit random events

ABSTRACT

A gambling integrated game that includes an entertainment system engine that provides an entertainment game to a user, a real world engine that provides gambling games to one or more users, and a game world engine that monitors the entertainment game and provides gambling games when appropriate. The entertainment system engine provides an entertainment game that includes random events. When a random event occurs in the entertainment game, the entertainment system engine resolves the random event and provides the results of the random event to the game world engine. The game world engine receives the results of the random event and determines gambling results based upon the results of the random event.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/955,000 filed Nov. 30, 2015, which is a continuation ofPatent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US14/35832, filed Apr. 29,2014, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Nos.61/817,807, filed Apr. 30, 2013, and 61/829,162 filed May 30, 2013, thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference as ifset forth herein. This application is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/589,780, filed May 8, 2017, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/904,947, filed Jan.13, 2016, which is a continuation of Patent Cooperation TreatyApplication No. PCT/US14/35832, filed Apr. 29, 2014. This applicationreferences Patent Cooperation Treaty Application Nos. PCT/US12/58156,filed Sep. 29, 2012, PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar. 1, 2011, PCT/US11/63587,filed Dec. 6, 2011, and PCT/US12/50204 filed Aug. 9, 2012, thedisclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference as ifset forth herewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally related to gamingand more specifically to systems and processes that enhance a gamblingprocess in a gambling game based upon random events that occur in anentertainment game.

BACKGROUND

The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gamingmachines to enable wagering for interested parties whilst providing anentertainment experience. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine.As the demographic of eligible players has shifted with time to newergenerations who have grown accustomed to highly sophisticated graphicsand interactive video games, a need has arisen to increase theentertainment content present on a gaming machine to keep it relevant,at least to a growing portion of a casino's patronage. The subjectdesign is a form of gaming machine, designed for use in a physical orvirtual casino environment, which provides players an environment inwhich to play for cash, prizes and points, either against the casino orin head to head modes in a controlled and regulated manner while beingallowed to use their skills and adeptness at a particular type of game.An example of such a game would be a challenging word spelling game, oran interactive action game such as is found on video game consolespopular today, such as a PlayStation®, an Xbox®, a Wii® or a PC basedgame.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to an interactiveentertainment game where skill and chance may coalesce to provide a richarcade-style gaming experience, visually exciting and challenging, whereplayers may wager cash, credits prizes and points in order to win moreof the foregoing. Many of the embodiments of the design provide anenticing method of gaming to the players who expect a high level ofentertainment content in their gaming experience compared to therelatively simple game methods in use today.

In accordance with embodiments of this invention, a casino electronicgame machine providing a gambling hybrid game that includes anentertainment game and a gambling game, including a real world engineincluding a real world credit meter, a random number generator, and areal world credit pay table, where the real world engine is configuredto: receive real world credit from a portable media, where the portablemedia includes at least one member of a group including currency, avoucher and a smart card, and provide a randomly generated payout ofreal world credits from a wager of real world credits in the gamblinggame using the random number generator and real world credit pay table,augment an amount of real world credits stored in the real world creditmeter based on the randomly generated payout of real world credits tothe real world credit meter; an entertainment system engine constructedto execute the entertainment game to resolve a random event in theentertainment game to generate random event results, and provide therandom event results to a game world engine; a display screen configuredto display the random event results of the wagers; a user input deviceconfigured to receive from a player a wagering amount to use during gameplay; and the game world engine constructed to determine an occurrenceof a gambling event in the gambling game based on play of theentertainment game executed by the entertainment system engine, requesta resolution to the gambling event by the real world engine, determinegambling results based upon the random event results, and provide thegambling results to the entertainment system engine for use in executingthe entertainment game.

In accordance with numerous embodiments, the real world engine isfurther configured to receive, from the game world engine, the randomevent results, determine the gambling results from random event results,and provide, to the game world engine, the gambling results.

In accordance with many embodiments, entertainment system engine isfurther constructed to detect the random event is to occur duringexecution of the entertainment game, request, from the game worldengine, gambling information for the random event, receive, from thegame world engine, the gambling information for the random event, andprovide the gambling information to the player during execution of theentertainment game.

In accordance with various embodiments, the game world engine is furtherconstructed to generate the gambling information for the random event.

In accordance with numerous embodiments, the game world engine isfurther constructed to request, from the real world engine, the gamblinginformation for the random event, and receive, from the real worldengine, the gambling information for the random event.

In accordance with many embodiments, the real world engine is furtherconstructed to determine the gambling information for the random event,and provide, to the game world engine, the gambling information for therandom event.

In accordance with various embodiments, the game world engine is furtherconstructed to receive player information from a player managementsystem and use the random event results and the player information todetermine the gambling results for the random event.

In accordance with numerous embodiments, the game world engine isfurther constructed to receive game provider information from a gameprovider system, and use the random event results and the game providerinformation to determine the gambling results for the random event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a conceptual diagram of components of a gamblinghybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of a Real WorldEngine (RWE) of a gambling hybrid game in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of a Real WorldEngine (RWE) of a gambling hybrid game in accordance with some otherembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling diagram of communications between a RealWorld Engine (RWE) and an external system to provide various functionsin accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a process flow and signaling in a RealWorld Engine (RWE) to provide various functions in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a conceptual diagram of aspects of an EntertainmentSystem Engine (ESE) in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual diagram of interactions between a userand a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual diagram of the interplay between aspectsof a gambling hybrid game in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention using Real World Currency (RC).

FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual diagram of the interplay between aspectsof a gambling hybrid game in accordance with other embodiments of theinvention using Virtual Real World Currency (VRC).

FIG. 10 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of a networkbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of an Internetbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system diagram of an implementation of a cloudbased gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of components of a deviceimplementing a gambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flow diagram of a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a diagram showing a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game engine; and the inputs and outputs of agambling integrated game engine in accordance with an in an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram of a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game having a gambling integrated game engine inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow diagram of a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game that provides a strategy game as theentertainment game in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of a gambling hybrid game with agambling integrated game that provides a letter tile game as theentertainment game in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a timing chart showing components of a gamblinghybrid game providing a gambling integrated game in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 21A to 21H illustrate a display of a gambling hybrid with agambling integrated game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for providing agambling hybrid game with a gambling integrated game are illustrated. Agambling integrated game is a game in which results from a random eventin an interactive skill-based entertainment game are used to determinethe results of events in a gambling game. Examples of random events inan entertainment game include, but are not limited to, the drawing ofcards, die rolls, the selection of a game piece from a pool of pieces,and a spin of a wheel. In accordance with some embodiments of theinvention, the results of the random event in the entertainment game maydetermine payouts of wagers in a gambling game. In accordance with manyembodiments of the invention, the random event in the entertainment gamemay be a gambling event in a gambling game and the results of the randomevent in the entertainment game may be used to determine payouts to aplayer in terms of real world credits, in-game objects of theentertainment game, alteration of in-game variables of the entertainmentgame and/or allocation of credits to one or more pools being collectedby the game operator. Systems and methods for providing a gamblinghybrid game with a gambling integrated game in accordance withembodiments of this invention are described below with reference to theprovided drawings.

Gambling Hybrid Games

In accordance with many embodiments of this invention, a gambling hybridgame integrates high-levels of entertainment content with a game ofskill (an entertainment game) and a gambling experience with a game ofchance (a gambling game). A gambling hybrid game provides for randomoutcomes independent of player skill while providing that the user'sgaming experience (as measured by obstacles/challenges encountered, timeof play and other factors) is shaped by the player's skill. The outcomeof a gambling proposition that is determined by a Random NumberGenerator (RNG) or other such system or device that provides a pseudorandom or random outcome in response to a request. In accordance withsome embodiments, the wager game may be initiated in response to a gameobject related player action. A gambling hybrid game in accordance withan embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The gamblinghybrid game 128 includes a Real World Engine (RWE) 102, a Game WorldEngine (GWE) 112, an Entertainment System Engine (ESE) 120, a gamblinggame user interface 122 and an entertainment game user interface 124.The two user interfaces can be part of the same user interface but areseparate in the illustrated embodiment. The RWE 102 is connected withthe GWE 112 and the gambling game user interface 122. The ESE 120 isconnected with the GWE 112 and the entertainment game user interface124. The GWE 112 is connected also with the entertainment game userinterface 124.

In accordance with several embodiments, the RWE 102 is the operatingsystem for the gambling game of the gambling hybrid game 128 andcontrols and operates the gambling game. The operation of a gamblinggame is enabled by Real World Currency (RC), such as money or other realworld funds. A gambling game can increase or decrease an amount of RCbased on random gambling outcomes, where the gambling proposition of agambling game is typically regulated by gaming control bodies. In manyembodiments, the RWE 102 includes a Real World (RW) operating system(OS) 104, RNG 106, level n real-world credit pay tables (Table Ln-RC)108, RC meters 110 and other software constructs that enable a game ofchance to offer a fair and transparent gambling proposition, and tocontain the auditable systems and functions that can enable the game toobtain gaming regulatory body approval.

RNG 106 includes software and/or hardware algorithms and/or processes,which are used to generate pseudo random or random outcomes. A level nreal-world credit pay table (Table Ln-RC) 108 is a table that can beused in conjunction with RNG 106 to dictate the RC earned as a functionof sponsored gameplay and is analogous to the pay tables used in aconventional slot machine. Table Ln-RC payouts are independent of playerskill. There can be one table or multiple tables included in Ln-RC paytables 108 contained in a gambling game, the selection of which can bedetermined by factors including (but not limited to) game progress thata player has earned, and/or bonus rounds for which a player can beeligible. RCs are credits analogous to slot machine game credits, whichare entered into a gambling game by the user, either in the form ofmoney such as hard currency or electronic funds. RCs can be decrementedor augmented based on the outcome of an RNG according to the table Ln-RCreal world credits pay table 108, independent of player skill. Incertain embodiments, an amount of RC can be used as criteria in order toenter higher ESE game levels. RC can be carried forward to higher gamelevels or paid out if a cash out is opted for by a player. The amount ofRC used to enter a specific level of the game, level n, need not be thesame for each level.

In accordance with some embodiments of this invention, the GWE 112manages the overall gambling hybrid game operation, with the RWE 102 andthe ESE 120 effectively being support units to the GWE 112. Inaccordance with some of these embodiments, the GWE 112 containsmechanical, electronic, and software systems for an entertainment game.The GWE 112 includes an Operating System (OS) 114 that provides controlof the entertainment game. The GWE additionally contains a level n gameworld credit pay table (table Ln-GWC) 116 from where to take input fromthis table to affect the play of the entertainment game. The GWE 112 canfurther couple to the RWE 102 to determine the amount of RC available onthe game and other metrics of wagering on the gambling game (andpotentially affect the amount of RC in play on the RWE). The GWEadditionally contains various audit logs and activity meters (such asthe GWC meter) 118. The GWE 112 can also couple to a centralized serverfor exchanging various data related to the player and his or heractivities in the game. The GWE 112 furthermore couples to the ESE 120.

In accordance with some embodiments, a level n game world credit paytable (Table Ln-GWC) 116 dictates the Game World Credit (GWC) earned asa function of player skill in the nth level of the game. The payoutsgoverned by this table are dependent upon player skill and sponsoredgameplay at large and can or cannot be coupled to an RNG. In accordancewith some embodiments, GWCs are player points earned or depleted as afunction of player skill, specifically as a function of playerperformance in the context of the entertainment game. GWC is analogousto the score in a typical video game. Each entertainment game has one ormore scoring criterion, embedded within the table Ln-GWC 116 thatreflects player performance against the goal(s) of the game. GWCs can becarried forward from one level of sponsored gameplay to another, andultimately paid out in various manners such as directly in cash, orindirectly such as by earning entrance into a sweepstakes drawing, orearning participation in, or victory in, a tournament with prizes. GWCscan be stored on a player tracking card or in a network-based playertracking system, where the GWCs are attributed to a specific player.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the operation of the GWE doesnot affect the RWE's gambling operation except for player choiceparameters that are allowable in slot machines, including but notlimited to, wager terms such as, but not limited to, a wager amount, howfast the player wants to play (by pressing a button or pulling thehandle of a slot machine), and/or agreement to wager into a bonus round.In this sense, the RWE 102 provides a fair and transparent, non-skillbased gambling proposition co-processor to the GWE 112. In theillustrated embodiment, the communication link shown between the GWE 112and the RWE 102 allows the GWE 112 to obtain information from the RWE102 as to the amount of RC available in the gambling game. Thecommunication link can also convey a status operation of the RWE (suchas on-line or tilt). The communication link can further communicate thevarious gambling control factors which the RWE 102 uses as input, suchas the number of RC consumed per game or the player's election to entera jackpot round. In FIG. 1, the GWE 112 is also shown as connecting tothe player's user interface directly, as this can be utilized tocommunicate certain entertainment game club points, player status,control the selection of choices and messages which a player can finduseful in order to adjust the entertainment game experience orunderstand their gambling status in the RWE 102.

In some embodiments, the RWE provides random outcomes on the basis of apari-mutuel wagering system, such as those used for sporting events,horseraces, and the like.

In various embodiments, the RWE can be used to provide random outcomesin response to a request for resolving a random event within anentertainment game of the GIG. In other embodiments, an RNG is providedwithin a GWE of the GIG for resolving the random events in theentertainment game.

In accordance with various embodiments of this invention, the ESE 120manages and controls the visual, audio, and player control for anentertainment game including random events whose outcomes provideoptions to the player, determine the outcome of some actions or movestaken by the player, or otherwise influence the player's play of theentertainment game. In many embodiments, the entertainment game is aninteractive skill-based entertainment game where a player exercisestheir skill in the game by reacting to or otherwise taking into accountrandom outcomes for random events that occur within the entertainmentgame. In accordance with certain embodiments, the ESE 120 accepts inputfrom a player through a set of hand controls, and/or head, gesture,and/or eye tracking systems and outputs video, audio and/or othersensory output to a user interface. In accordance with many embodiments,the ESE 120 can exchange data with and accept control information fromthe GWE 112. In accordance with some of these embodiments, an ESE 120can be implemented using a Personal Computer (PC), a Sony PlayStation®(a video game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment of TokyoJapan), or Microsoft Xbox® (a video game console developed by MicrosoftCorporation of Redmond, Wash.) running a specific entertainment gamesoftware program. In accordance with some of these embodiments, ESE 120can be an electromechanical game system of a gambling hybrid game thatis an electromechanical hybrid game. An electromechanical hybrid gameexecutes an electromechanical game for player entertainment. Theelectromechanical game can be any game that utilizes both mechanical andelectrical components, where the game operates as a combination ofmechanical motions performed by at least one player or theelectromechanical game itself. Various electromechanical hybrid gamesare discussed in Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No.PCT/US12/58156, filed Sep. 29, 2012, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

The ESE 120 operates mostly independently from the GWE 112, except thatvia the interface, the GWE 112 can send certain entertainment gamecontrol parameters and elements to the ESE 120 to affect its play, suchas (but not limited to) what level of character to be using, changingthe difficulty level of the game, changing the type of gun or car inuse, and/or requesting potions to become available or to be found by thecharacter. These game control parameters and elements can be based on agambling outcome of a gambling game that was triggered by an element inthe entertainment game being acted upon by the player. The ESE 120 canaccept this input from the GWE 112, make adjustments, and continueentertainment game gameplay all the while running seamlessly from theplayer's perspective. The ESE's operation is mostly skill based, exceptfor where the ESE's processes can inject complexities into the game bychance in its normal operation to create unpredictability in theentertainment game. Utilizing this interface, the ESE 120 can alsocommunicate player choices made in the game to the GWE 112, such as butnot limited to selection of a different gun, and/or the player pickingup a special potion in the GW environment. The GWE's function in thisarchitecture, being interfaced with the ESE 120, which include anexplicit random events generator 126, is to allow the transparentcoupling of entertainment software to a fair and transparent randomchance gambling game, providing a seamless perspective to the playerthat they are playing a typical popular entertainment game (which isskill based). In accordance with certain embodiments, the ESE 120 can beused to enable a wide range of entertainment games including but notlimited to popular titles from arcade and home video games, such as butnot limited to Gears of War (a third person shooter game developed byEpic Games of Cary, N.C.), Time Crisis (a shooter arcade game developedby Namco Ltd of Tokyo, Japan), or Madden Football (an American footballvideo game developed by EA Tiburon of Maitland, Fla.). Providers of suchsoftware can provide the previously described interface by which the GWE112 can request amendments to the operation of the ESE software in orderto provide seamless and sensible operation as both a gambling game andan entertainment game.

In accordance with some embodiments, the RWE 102 can accept a trigger torun a gambling game in response to actions taken by the player in theentertainment game as conveyed by the ESE 120 to the GWE 112, or astriggered by the GWE 112 based on its algorithms, background to theoverall game from the player's perspective, but can provide informationto the GWE 112 to expose the player to certain aspects of the gamblinggame, such as (but not limited to) odds, amount of RC in play, andamount of RC available. The RWE 102 can accept modifications in theamount of RC wagered on each individual gambling try, or the number ofgambling games per minute the RWE 102 can execute, entrance into a bonusround, and other factors, all the while these factors can take adifferent form than that of a typical slot machine. An example of avarying wager amount that the player can choose can include, but is notlimited to, gameplay with a more powerful character, a more powerfulgun, or a better car. These choices can increase or decrease the amountwagered per individual gambling game, in the same manner that a standardslot machine player can decide to wager more or less credits for eachpull of the handle. In accordance with some of these embodiments, theRWE 102 can communicate a number of factors back and forth to the GWE112, via an interface, such increase/decrease in wager being a functionof the player's decision making as to their operational profile in theentertainment game (such as but not limited to the power of thecharacter, gun selection or car choice). In this manner, the player isalways in control of the per game wager amount, with the choice mappingto some parameter or component that is applicable to the entertainmentgame experience of the hybrid game. In accordance with a particularembodiment, the RWE 102 operation can be a game of chance as a gamblinggame running every 10 seconds where the amount wagered is communicatedfrom the GWE 112 as a function of choices the player makes in theoperation profile in the entertainment game.

In many embodiments, a gambling hybrid game integrates a video gamestyle gambling machine, where the gambling game (including an RWE 102and RC) is not player skill based, while at the same time allows playersto use their skills to earn club points which a casino operator cantranslate to rewards, tournament opportunities and prizes for theplayers. The actual exchange of monetary funds earned or lost directlyfrom gambling against a game of chance in a gambling game, such as aslot machine, is preserved. At the same time, a rich environment ofrewards to stimulate gamers can be established with the entertainmentgame. In accordance with some of these embodiments, the gambling hybridgame can leverage very popular titles with gamers and provides a seachange environment for casinos to attract players with games that aremore akin to the type of entertainment that a younger generationdesires. In accordance with various embodiments, players can use theirskill towards building and banking Game World Credit (GWC) that in turncan be used to win tournaments and various prizes as a function of theirgamer prowess. Numerous embodiments minimize the underlying changesneeded to the aforementioned entertainment software for the hybrid gameto operate within an entertainment game construct, thus making aplethora of complex game titles and environments, rapid and inexpensiveto deploy in a gambling environment.

In accordance with some embodiments, gambling hybrid games also allowplayers to gain entry into subsequent competitions through theaccumulation of Game World Credits (GWC) as a function of the user'sdemonstrated skill at the game. These competitions can pit individualplayers or groups of players against one another and/or against thecasino to win prizes based upon a combination of chance and skill. Thesecompetitions can be either asynchronous events, whereby playersparticipate at a time and/or place of their choosing, or they can besynchronized events, whereby players participate at a specific timeand/or venue.

In accordance with some embodiments, one or more players engage inplaying an entertainment game, resident in the ESE, the outcomes ofwhich are dependent at least in part on skill. The gambling hybrid gamecan include an entertainment game that includes head to head playbetween a single player and the computer, between two or more playersagainst one another, or multiple players playing against the computerand/or each other, as well as the process by which players bet on theoutcome of the entertainment game. The entertainment game can also be agame where the player is not playing against the computer or any otherplayer, such as in games where the player is effectively playing againsthimself or herself (such as but not limited to Solitaire and Babette).

In accordance with some embodiments, the use of the RWE, GWE and ESEallows for the separation of control of a gambling hybrid game betweendifferent devices. For example, the ESE may be hosted by a device thatis separate from any devices that host the RWE and/or GWE. Throughseparation of control of the functions of the ESE, RWE and GWE, the RWEmay be isolated from the player's device, thus preventing playerinterference with the RWE and the gambling game. In addition, as the ESEis responsible for providing the entertainment game, gambling hybridgames may provide for complex entertainment games for the player as theESE need not include the tightly regulated components of the RWE, thusproviding for more freedom in ESE design. Also, separation of controlallows a GWE to provide complex wager initiation rules that would not bepossible if the either the ESE or the RWE were to be in control of thewager initiation.

In accordance with various embodiments, a gambling hybrid game allowsfor interleaving of continuous wagering within an entertainment game.For example, instead of wagering once, and then playing an entertainmentgame to completion, or playing an entertainment game to completion andthen placing a wager, a gambling hybrid game allows a gaming system ordevice to be provided to a player where the gaming system or deviceprovides a complex and interesting entertainment game with wageringincorporated throughout the entertainment game.

In various embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides for feedbackinto the entertainment game of additional entertainment game resourcesthat are made available in the ESE for the use of the player as theresult of wagering outcomes. The additional entertainment game resourcesmay enable portions of the entertainment game that were not available tothe player without the resources.

In many embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides the ability to usethe gambling hybrid game in more than one jurisdiction, as the ESE is acomponent separate from the GWE and RWE. For example, the ESE may beoperated as either a pure entertainment game, or as a gambling gamedepending on the type of characteristics of the RWE that the ESE iscoupled to.

In some embodiments, a gambling hybrid game provides for display of anentertainment game on a player's device that the player is using tointeract with the entertainment game, as well as providing a separatedisplay of a state of a gambling game on a separate gambling gamedisplay. The separate gambling game display may be on the player'sdevice within the same physical display device, on a separate devicehaving a separate physical screen, or on a separate physical displaydevice on the player's device.

The components provided by the RWE for a gambling hybrid game inaccordance with embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. 2. Inaccordance with embodiments of the invention, the RWE includes aninternal bus 225 that connects an operating system OS 221, a PseudoRandom or Random Number Generator (P/RNG) 220, one or more pay tables(Table Ln-RC) 223, a wagering control module 222, an authorizationaccess module 224, and a RC credit meter 226 that are included in theRWE 204. The RW OS 221 controls the functions of the RWE 204. The P/RNG220 includes one or more RNGs that are used to produce random numbersfor use in resolving gambling events and other process requiring arandom number to determine an outcome. The one or more pay tables (TableLn-RC) 223 control the functions of the RWE and contain a plurality offactors indexed by the random number to be multiplied with the RCwagered to determine the payout on a successful wager. A wageringcontrol module 222 performs the processes to resolve a wager on aproposition of a gambling event. The resolution process includes, but isnot limited to, pulling random numbers, looking up factors in PayTables, multiplying the factors by the amount of RC wagered, andadministering a RC credit meter 226. A repository (a credit meter) 226maintains a record of the amount of RC which a player has deposited inthe game and has been accumulated by the player.

An external connection allows the RWE 204 to interface to another systemor device, which is shown in FIG. 2 as the Internet 205 but may be anyother network and/or device. The authorization access module 224 of RWE204 is connected to the external connection and provides a method topermit access and command exchange between an external system and theRWE 204. The RWE 204 also contains storage for statuses, wagers, wageroutcomes, meters and other historical events in a storage device 116.

In some embodiments, the RWE 204 communicates with external systems toprovide various functions of a gambling hybrid game in accordance withembodiments of the invention. The components of an RWE 204 thatcommunicate with an external system to provide a component of the RWE204 in accordance with embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. 3.The RWE 204 shown in FIG. 3 is similar to the RWE shown in FIG. 2.However, the P/RNG 220 is an external system connected to the RWE 204 bythe Internet 205 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. TheP/RNG 220 could be a central deterministic system, such as a regulatedand controlled random numbered ball selection device, or some othersystem which provides random or pseudo random numbers to one or aplurality of connected RWEs 204. One skilled in the art will recognizethat only P/RNG 220 is an external system in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 3. However, any of the components could be external systemswithout departing from the invention and P/RNG 220 is shown as anexample only.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the RWE 204 interfaces with other systems/devices orto an external P/RNG 220 using the Internet 205. However, one skilled inthe art will note that nothing would preclude using a differentinterface than the Internet 205 in other embodiments of the invention.Other examples of interfaces include, but are not limited to, a LAN, aUSB interface, or some other method by which two electronic and softwareconstructs could communicate with each other.

The RWE and an external system typically communicate to provide theresolution of gambling events to resolve wagers on the events. Thesignals between the RWE and an external system to provide some processrelated to resolving gambling events in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention are shown in FIG. 4. In accordance with many embodimentsof the invention, the primary function of the RWE 204 is to managewagering events and to provide random (or pseudo random) numbers from anRNG. At the top of the figure, a 6 component communication exchangegrouped by the “1” box is shown for a wager on a proposition in agambling event during a gambling hybrid game in accordance withembodiments of the invention. An external system 450 that is requestingwagering support from the RWE 204 instructs the RWE 204 as to the paytable (Table Ln-RC) to use (410), followed by the amount of RC to wageron the proposition of the gambling event (412). Next, the externalsystem 450 signals the RWE to trigger a wager or perform the gamblingevent (414). The RWE 204 resolves the gambling event. The RWE 204 theninforms external system 450 as to the outcome of the wager (416), theamount of RC won (418), and the amount of RC in the player's account (inthe credit repository) (420).

A second communication exchange between the RWE 204 and an externalsystem 450 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that is shownin FIG. 4 is grouped by the “2” box in FIG. 4 and relates to theexternal system 450 needing an P/RNG result support from the RWE 204. Inthis exchange, the external system 450 requests an P/RNG result from theRWE 204 (430). The RWE 204 returns a P/RNG result to the external system450 in response to the request (432). The result may be generated as afunction of the internal P/RNG in the RWE 204, or from a P/RNG externalto the RWE 204 to which the RWE 204 is connected.

A third communication exchange between the RWE 204 and the externalsystem 450 in accordance with embodiments of the invention that is shownin FIG. 4 is grouped by the “3” box in the figure and relates to theexternal system 450 wanting support on coupling an P/RNG result to aparticular Pay Table contained in the RWE 204. In this exchange, theexternal system 450 instructs the RWE as to the pay table (Table Ln-RC)to use (440). The external system (450) then requests a result wherebythe P/RNG result is coupled to the requested Pay Table (442). The resultis returned to the external system 450 by RWE 204 (444). Such an aspectis different from the first exchange shown by the box “1” sequence inthat no actual RC wager is conducted. However, such a process, t, mightbe useful in coupling certain non-RC wagering entertainment gamebehaviors and propositions to the same final resultant wagering returnwhich is understood for the gambling hybrid game to conduct wagering.

In regards to FIG. 4, one skilled in the art will note that the thrustof the FIG. 4 is to convey overall functional exchanges between an RWE204 and an external system 450. As such, various protocol layersnecessary for error free and secure communication, and other status,setup, and configuration commands which one might expect in any protocolbetween two connected systems have been omitted for clarity.Furthermore, some or all of the various commands and responsesillustrated could be combined into one or more communication packetswithout departing from the invention.

The process flow for functional communication exchanges, such ascommunication exchanges described above with reference to FIG. 4,between a RWE and an external system in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention are shown in FIG. 5. The process begins by a RWE 204receiving signals from an external system requesting a connection to RWE204 (502). The Access Authorization Module determines that the externalsystem is authorized to connect to RWE 204 (504) and transmits anauthorization response to the external system. The external systemsprovide a request for a gambling event to be performed to the RWE 294(506). The request may include an indication of a wager amount on aproposition in the gambling event, and a proper pay table to use toresolve the wager. The external system then sends a signal to triggerthe gambling event (508).

The OS 221 instructs the Wager Control Module 222 as to the RC wager andthe Pay Table to select as well as to resolve the wager execution (510).In response to the request to execute the gambling event, the wagercontrol module 222 requests an P/RNG result from the P/RNG 220 (512);retrieves a proper pay table or tables from the pay tables 223 (514);adjusts the RC of the player in the RC repository 226 as instructed(516); applies the P/RNG result to the particular pay table or tables(518); and multiplies the resultant factor from the Pay Table by theamount of RC to determine the result of the wager (518). Wager ControlModule 222 then adds the amount of RC won by the wager to the RCrepository 226 (520); and provides he outcome of the wager, and theamount of RC in the RWE and the RC won (522). One skilled in the artwill recognize that there may be many embodiments of an RWE 204 whichcould be possible, including forms where many modules and components ofthe RWE are located in various servers and locations, so the foregoingis not meant to be exhaustive or all inclusive, but rather provideinformation about an RWE 204 in accordance with some embodiments of theinvention.

A block diagram of components of an ESE being provided by an ESE host600 for a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention is shown in FIG. 6. An ESE 610 may be part of theentertainment game itself, may be a software module that is executed bythe entertainment game, or may provide an execution environment for theentertainment game for a particular host. The ESE 610 and associatedentertainment game are hosted by an ESE host 600. The ESE host 600 is acomputing device that is capable of hosting the ESE 610 and theentertainment game. Exemplary hosts include video game consoles, smartphones, personal computers, tablet computers, or the like. Theentertainment game includes a game engine 612 that generates a playerinterface 605 for interaction with by a player. The player interfaceincludes a player presentation 635 that is presented to a player throughthe player interface. The player presentation 635 may be audio, visualor tactile, or any combination of such. The player interface 635 furtherincludes one or more Human Input Devices (HIDs) 630 that the player usesto interact with the entertainment game. Various components orsub-engines of the game engine read data from a game state in order toimplement the features of the game. Components of the game engineinclude a physics engine 640 used to simulate physical interactionsbetween virtual objects in the game state, a rules engine 645 forimplementing the rules of the game, an P/RNG that may be used forinfluencing or determining certain variables and/or outcomes to providea randomizing influence on gameplay, a graphics engine 650 used togenerate a visual representation of the game state to the player, anaudio engine to generate audio outputs for the player interface, and anyother engine needed to provide the entertainment game. The game engine612 reads and writes game resources 615 stored on a data store of theESE host. The game resources 615 include game objects 655 havinggraphics and/or control logic used to implement game world objects ofthe game engine. The game resources 615 also include video files 675that are used to generate cut-scenes for the entertainment game. Thegame resources 615 may also include audio files 660 used to generatemusic, sound effects, etc. within the entertainment game. The gameresources 615 may also include configuration files 670 used to configurethe features of the entertainment game. The game resources 615 may alsoinclude scripts 665 or other types of control code used to implementvarious gameplay features of the entertainment game. The game resources615 may also include graphics resources 680 including, but not limitedto, textures, and objects that are used by the game engine to renderobjects displayed in the entertainment game.

In operation, components of the game engine 612 read portions of thegame state 625 and generate the player presentation for the player whichis presented to the player using the player interface 605. The playerperceives the presentation 635 and provides player inputs using the HIDs630. The corresponding player inputs are received as player actions orinputs by various components of the game engine 612. The game enginetranslates the player actions into interactions with the virtual objectsof the game world stored in the game state 625. Components of the gameengine 612 use the player interactions with the virtual objects of thegame and the game state 625 to update the game state 625 and update thepresentation 635 presented to the user. The process can loop in a gameloop continuously while the player plays the game.

In some embodiments, the ESE 610 is a host running a browser thatcommunicates with a server serving documents in a markup language, suchas Hypertext Markup Language 5 (HTML 5) or the like, and the functionsof the game engine are performed by the browser on the basis of themarkup language found in the documents. In some embodiments, the ESE 610is a host hosting a specialized software platform, such as Adobe Flashor the like, used to implement games or other types of multimediapresentations, and the functions of the game engine are performed by thespecialized platform.

The ESE 610 provides one or more interfaces between an entertainmentgame and other components 620 of a gambling hybrid game, such as a GWE.The ESE 610 and the other gambling hybrid game component 620 communicatewith each other using the interfaces, such as by passing various typesof data and sending and receiving messages, status information, commandsand the like. Examples of communications include, but are not limitedto, requesting by the gambling hybrid game component 620 that the ESE610 update the game state using information provided by the othercomponent; requesting, by the gambling hybrid game component 620, thatthe ESE 610 update one or more game resources using information providedby the gambling hybrid game component 620; the ESE 610 providing all ora portion of the game state; the ESE 610 providing one or more of thegame resources to the gambling hybrid game component 620; and the ESE610 communicating player actions to the other gambling hybrid gamecomponent 620. The player actions may be low level player interactionswith the player interface, such as manipulation of an HID, or may behigh level interactions with objects as determined by the entertainmentgame. The player actions may also include resultant actions such asmodifications to the game state or game resources resulting from theplayer's actions taken in the game. Other examples of player actionsinclude actions taken by entities, such as Non-Player Characters (NPC)of the entertainment game, that act on behalf of, or under the controlof, the player.

Elements are a limited resource consumed within an entertainment game toadvance entertainment game gameplay. In playing the entertainment gameusing the elements, a player can (optionally) consume and accrue gameworld credits (GWC) within the entertainment game. These credits can bein the form of (but are not limited to) game world credits, experiencepoints, or points generally. Wagers can be made in the gambling game astriggered by the player's use of one or more elements of theentertainment game. The wagers are made using real world credits (RC).The real world credits can be credits in an actual currency, or can becredits in a virtual currency which may have a real world value.Gambling outcomes from the gambling game can cause consumption, loss oraccrual of RC. In addition, gambling outcomes in the gambling game caninfluence elements in the entertainment game such as (but not limitedto) by restoring a consumed element, causing the loss of an element,restoration or placement of a fixed element. In certain embodiments,gambling games can facilitate the wager of GWC for a randomly generatedpayout of GWC or a wager of elements for a randomly generated payout ofelements. In particular embodiments, an amount of GWC and/or elementsused as part of a wager can have a RC value if cashed out of a gameplaysession.

Example elements include enabling elements (EE) which are elements thatenable a player's play of the entertainment game and whose consumptionby the player while playing the entertainment game can trigger a wagerin a gambling game. Another non limiting example of an element is areserve enabling element (REE), which is an element that converts intoone or more enabling elements upon occurrence of a release event inskill wagering interleaved game gameplay. Other types of elementsinclude actionable elements (AE) which are elements that are acted uponto trigger a wager in the gambling game and may or may not be restorableduring normal play of the entertainment game. Another type of element isa common enabling element (CEE) which as an element that may be sharedby two or more players and the use of which by any of the players causesa wager to be triggered.

In progressing through entertainment game gameplay, elements can beutilized by a player during interactions with a controlled entity (CE)which is a character, entity, inanimate object, device or other objectunder control of a player.

Also, entertainment game gameplay progress and wager triggers can bedependent upon a game world variable such as, but not limited to: arequired game object (RGO) which is a specific game object in anentertainment game acted upon for an AE to be completed (such as but notlimited to a specific key needed to open a door); a requiredenvironmental condition (REC) which is a game state present within anentertainment game for an AE to be completed (such as but not limited todaylight whose presence enables a character to walk through woods); or acontrolled entity characteristic (CEC) which is a status of the CEwithin an entertainment game for an AE to be completed (such as but notlimited to a CE to have full health points before entering battle).Although various gameplay resources, such as but not limited to GWC, RCand elements as discussed above, any gameplay resource can be utilizedto advance gameplay as well as form the basis for a trigger of a wageras appropriate to the specification of a specific application inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention. Various hybridgames are discussed in PCT Application Nos. PCT/US11/26768, filed Mar.1, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,632,395 issued Jan. 21, 2014,PCT/US11/63587, filed Dec. 6, 2011, published as US Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2013/0296021 A1, and PCT/US12/50204 filed Aug. 9, 2012,published as US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0260871 A1, eachdisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In accordance with some embodiments, a player can interact with agambling hybrid game by using RC in interactions with a gambling gamealong with GWC and elements in interactions with an entertainment game.The gambling game can be executed by a RWE while an entertainment gamecan be executed with an ESE and managed with a GWE. A conceptual diagramthat illustrates how resources such as GWC, RC and elements, such as butnot limited to enabling elements (EE), are utilized in a gambling hybridgame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIG. 7. The conceptual diagram illustrates that RC 704, EE 708 and GWC706 can be utilized by a player 702 in interactions with the RWE 710,GWE 712 and ESE 714 of a gambling hybrid game 716. The contribution ofelements, such as EE 708, can be linked to a player's access to credits,such as RC 704 or GWC 706. Electronic receipt of these credits can comevia a smart card, voucher or other portable media, or as received over anetwork from a server. In accordance with certain embodiments, thesecredits can be drawn on demand from a player profile located in adatabase locally on a gambling hybrid game or in a remote server.

A conceptual diagram that illustrates the interplay between aspects of agambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionusing real world credit (RC) is illustrated in FIG. 8. Similar to FIG.7, a player's actions and/or decisions can affect functions 806 thatconsume and/or accumulate GWC 802 and/or EE 804 in an entertainment gameexecuted by an ESE 810. A GWE 812 can monitor the activities takingplace within an entertainment game executed by an ESE 810 for gameplaygambling event occurrences. The GWE 812 can also communicate thegameplay gambling event occurrences to an RWE 814 that triggers a wagerof RC 816 in a gambling game executed by the RWE 814.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the following mayoccur during use of the gambling hybrid game. The user enters an inputthat represents an action or decision (850). The ESE 810 signals the GWE812 with the input decision or action (852). The GWE 812 responds bysignaling to ESE 810 with the amount of EE that is consumed by theplayer action or decision (854). The signaling from the GWE 812configures a function 806 to control the EE consumption, decay, and/oraccumulation.

The ESE 810 then adjusts the EE 804 accordingly (856). The GWE 812signals the RWE 814 as to the profile of the wager propositionassociated with the action or decision and triggers the wager (858). TheRWE 814 consumes the appropriate amount of RC 816 and executes the wager(860). The RWE 814 then adjusts the RC 816 based upon the outcome of thewager (862) and informs the GWE 812 as to the outcome of the wager(864).

The GWE 812 signals the ESE 810 to adjust EE to one or more of the EEsof the ESE entertainment game (866). Function 806 of the ESE 810performs the adjustment of EE 804 (868). The ESE 810 signals the GWE 812as to the updated status (870). In response, the GWE 812 signals the ESE810 to update GWC of the entertainment game. The ESE updates the GWC 802using a function 806 (872).

The following is an example of the above flow in a first person shootergame, such a Call of Duty®, using a gambling hybrid game sequence inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

The process begins by a player selecting a machine gun to use in thegame and then fires a burst of bullets at an opponent (850). The ESE 810signals the GWE 812 of the player's choice of weapon, that a burst ofbullets was fired, and the outcome of the burst (852). GWE 812 processesthe information received and signals ESE 810 to consume 3 bullets (EE)with each pull of the trigger (854). The ESE 810 consumes 3 bullets forthe burst using function 806 (856).

The GWE 812 signals the RWE 814 that 3 credits (RC) are to be wagered tomatch the three bullets consumed. The RWE 814 then determines the resultof the wager and may determine the winnings from a pay table. On aparticular pay table (Table Ln-RC), a determination is made by RWE 814as to the amount of damage that the opponent has sustained. The RWE 814consumes 3 credits of RC 816 for the wager and executes the specifiedwager (860). The RWE 814 determines that the player hit a jackpot of 6credits and returns the 6 credits to the RC 816 (862) and signals theGWE 812 that 3 net credits were won by the player (864).

The GWE 812 signals ESE 810 to add 3 bullets to an ammunition clip(866). ESE 810 adds 3 bullets back to the ammo clip (EE 804) using afunction 806 (868). The ammunition may be added by directly adding theammunition to the clip or by allowing the user to find extra ammunitionduring gameplay. The GWE 812 logs the new player score (GWC 802) in thegame (as a function of the successful hit on the opponent) based on theESE 810 signaling, and the signals the ESE 810 to add 2 extra points tothe player score since a jackpot has been won (870). The ESE 810 thenadds 10 points to the player score (GWC 802) given the success of thehit which in this example is worth 8 points, plus the 2 extra pointsrequested by GWE 812 (872). Note that the foregoing example is onlyintended to provide an illustration of how credits flow in a gamblinghybrid game, but is not intended to be exhaustive and only lists onlyone of numerous possibilities of how a gambling hybrid game may beconfigured to manage its fundamental credits.

A conceptual diagram that illustrates the interplay between aspects of agambling hybrid game in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionusing virtual real world credit (VRC) is illustrated in FIG. 9. As seenin the FIG. 9, substituting VRC in place of RC is effected withoutimpact to the architecture or operation of the gambling hybrid game. Theimplementation of FIG. 9 is not the only embodiment using virtualcurrency within a gambling hybrid game, but shows only one permutationof which many could exist.

Similar to FIG. 8, a player's actions and/or decisions can affectfunctions 906 that consume and/or accumulate GWC 902 and/or EE 904 in anentertainment game executed by an ESE 910 in the process shown in FIG.9. A GWE 912 can monitor the activities taking place within anentertainment game executed by an ESE 910 for gameplay gambling eventoccurrences. The GWE 912 can also communicate the gameplay gamblingevent occurrences to a RWE 914. Unlike the process shown in FIG. 8, RWE914 triggers a wager of virtual real world credit (VRC) 916 in agambling game executed by the RWE 914.

For purposes of this discussion, VRC can be thought of as a form ofalternate currency, which can be acquired, purchased or transferred, inunit or in bulk, by/to a player, but does not necessarily directlycorrelate to RC or real currency. As an example, there is a virtualcurrency called “Triax Jacks”, 1000 units of which are given to a playerby an operator of a gambling hybrid game, with additional blocks of 1000units being available for purchase for $5 USD each block. Triax Jackscould be redeemed for various prizes, or could never be redeemed butsimply used and traded purely for entertainment value by players. Itwould be completely consistent with the architecture of the gamblinghybrid game that Triax Jacks would be wagered in place of RC, such thatthe gambling hybrid game could be played for free, or with played withoperator sponsored Triax Jacks.

Returning to the process in FIG. 9, the following may occur during useof the gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. The user enters an input that represents an action ordecision (950). The ESE 910 signals the GWE 912 with the input decisionor action (952). The GWE 912 responds by signaling to ESE 910 with theamount of EE that is consumed by the player action or decision (954).The signaling from the GWE 912 configures a function 906 to control theEE consumption, decay, and/or accumulation.

The ESE 910 then adjusts the EE 904 accordingly (956). The GWE 912signals the RWE 914 as to the profile of the wager propositionassociated with the action or decision and triggers the wager (958). TheRWE 914 consumes the appropriate amount of RC 916 and executes the wager(960). The RWE 914 then adjusts the RC 916 based upon the outcome of thewager (962) and informs the GWE 912 as to the outcome of the wager(964).

The GWE 912 signals the ESE 910 to adjust EE to one or more of the EEsof the ESE entertainment game (966). Function 906 of the ESE 910performs the adjustment of EE 904 (968). The ESE 910 signals the GWE 912as to the updated status (970). In response, the GWE 912 signals the ESE910 to update GWC 902 of the entertainment game. The ESE updates the GWC902 using a function 906 (972).

Network Based Gambling Hybrid Game

A system diagram that illustrates an implementation of a networkdistributed gambling hybrid game with a GWE local server in accordancewith embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10. In thefigure, the gambling hybrid game 1000 includes components, RWE 1002embedded in a device used as the user interface for player 1003. Thedevice provides both a RWE/GWE user interface 1005 and an ESE userinterface 1007 for the player. The ESE is provisioned by an ESE hostingserver 1004 via ESE interface 1009, and the GWE is provisioned by GWEserver 1006 as indicated by the dashed line. Also pictured in thediagram are a number of other peripheral systems, such as playermanagement 1008, casino management 1010, regulatory 1012, hybrid gameplayer account management 1014, and taxation authority 1016 hostingservers that may be present in such an implementation. FIG. 10 alsoillustrates various other systems, which may reside outside the boundsof the casino and are connected to the framework via communicationsnetwork, such as the Internet 1020, depicted by the connection linespast the casino firewall 1022. The end devices utilized for userinterfaces for a gambling hybrid game include, but are not limited to,casino electronic game machines 1030 and wireless or portable devices,such as smart phone 1032, personal digital assistants, tablet computers,video gaming consoles or the like. These disparate devices are connectedwithin and without the casino through the casino's informationtechnology structure as illustrated by routers 1040 a, 1040 b and 1040c. It should be understood that FIG. 10 does not attempt to illustrateall servers and systems to which a gambling hybrid game 1000 might beinevitably be connected, and indeed one might expect there would beothers, but rather provides an example of a set of a sub-set of systemswhich would be present in an exemplary embodiment of an installation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another implementation of a gambling hybridgame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In the figure, thegambling hybrid game 1101 includes components, RWE 1104 embedded in adevice used as the user interface for player 1103. The device providesboth a RWE/GWE user interface 1105 and an ESE user interface 1007 forthe player. The ESE is provisioned by an ESE hosting server 1104 via ESEinterface 1109. Also pictured in the diagram are a number of otherperipheral systems, such as player management 1108, casino management1110, regulatory 1112, hybrid game player account management 1114, andtaxation authority 1116 hosting servers that may be present in such animplementation. In the figure, note that the GWE is composed of twosub-components, a local GWE server 1120, and a cloud server 1122(components within the dash line area 1124). In the figure, certain ofthe components are located within the bounds of the casino, namely theRWE, the ESE and a portion of the GWE, namely the local GWE server 1120.The Cloud Server GWE 1122 is located in the cloud connected to thecasino bounded gambling hybrid game components via communicationsnetwork such as the Internet 1130 through a firewall 1132. FIG. 11 alsoillustrates various other systems, which may reside outside the boundsof the casino and are connected to the framework via communicationsnetwork. The end devices utilized for user interfaces for a gamblinghybrid game include, but are not limited to, casino electronic gamemachines, 1134 a and 1134 b, and wireless or portable devices, such assmart phone 1136, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, videogaming consoles or the like. These disparate devices are connectedwithin and without the casino through the casino's informationtechnology structure as illustrated by routers 1140 a, 1140 b and 1140c. It should be understood that FIG. 11 does not attempt to illustrateall servers and systems to which a gambling hybrid game might beinevitably be connected, and indeed one might expect there would beothers, but rather provides an example of a set of a sub-set of systemswhich would be present in an exemplary embodiment of an installation.

A system diagram that illustrates an implementation of network a cloudbased gambling hybrid game over the Internet in accordance with anembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 12. The systemincludes an ESE server 1202, GWE server 1204 and RWE server 1206 thateach connect to a user interface, 1210 a or 1210 b, (such as, but notlimited to, a television screen, computer terminal, tablet, touchscreenor PDA) of gambling hybrid games over the Internet 1208. Each gamblinghybrid game includes a local ESE 1212 a or 1212 b (such as, but notlimited to, a video game console or a gaming computer system) thatinterfaces with a remote ESE server 1002. Processes performed by an ESE1212 a services can be performed in multiple locations, such as, but notlimited to, remotely on an ESE server 1202 and locally on a local ESE1212 a. In addition, a gambling hybrid game may include a PersonalDigital Assistant (PDA) 1214 or other type of mobile computing devicegame coupled to the ESE hosting server 1202, thus providing theopportunity for a player to play a gambling hybrid game on the PDAthrough a mobile phone or data network.

There are many possible permutations of how a gambling hybrid game couldbe constructed, with FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 showing only three possiblepermutations and provided as examples, which are not intended to suggestlimitations to the forms of the architecture. Other embodiments includea version where the entire gambling hybrid game is in the cloud withonly a client running on player terminal within the bounds of thecasino, or a version where the RWE and GWE are casino bound and the ESEexists in the cloud, accessed by a client running on a terminal in thecasino.

Processing Apparatuses

Any of a variety of processing apparatuses can host various componentsof a gambling hybrid game in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, theseprocessing apparatuses can include, but are not limited to, a server, aclient, a mobile device such as a smartphone, a personal digitalassistant or the like, a wireless device such as a tablet computer orthe like, an electronic gaming machine, a general purpose computer, agaming console, a computing device and/or a controller. A processingapparatus that is constructed to implement a gambling hybrid game inaccordance with embodiments of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 13.In the processing apparatus 1300, a processor 1304 is coupled to memory1306 by a bus 1328. The processor 1304 is also coupled to non-transitorymachine-readable storage media, such as a storage device 1308 thatstores executable instructions 1312 and data 1310 through the system bus1328 to an I/O bus 1326 through a storage controller 1318. The processor1304 is also coupled to one or more interfaces that can be used toconnect the processor to other processing apparatuses as well asnetworks as described herein. The processor 1304 is also coupled via thebus to user input devices 1314, such as tactile devices including, butnot limited to, keyboards, keypads, foot pads, touch screens, and/ortrackballs; as well as non-contact devices such as audio input devices,motion sensors and motion capture devices that the processing apparatuscan use to receive inputs from a user when the user interacts with theprocessing apparatus. The processor 1304 is connected to these userinput devices 1314 through the system bus 1328, to the I/O bus 1326 andthrough the input controller 1320. The processor 1304 is also coupledvia the bus to user output devices 1316 such as (but not limited to)visual output devices, audio output devices, and/or tactile outputdevices that the processing apparatus uses to generate outputsperceivable by the user when the user interacts with the processingapparatus. In accordance with some embodiments, the processor is coupledto visual output devices such as (but not limited to) display screens,light panels, and/or lighted displays. In accordance with particularembodiments, the processor is coupled to audio output devices such as(but not limited to) speakers, and/or sound amplifiers. In accordancewith many of these embodiments, the processor 1304 is coupled to tactileoutput devices like vibrators, and/or manipulators. The processor 1304is connected to output devices from the system bus 1328 to the I/O bus1326 and through the output controller 1322. The processor 1304 can alsobe connected to a communications interface 1302 from the system bus 1328to the I/O bus 1326 through a communications controller 1324.

In accordance with various embodiments, a processor 1304 can loadinstructions and data from the storage device into the memory 1306. Theprocessor 1304 can also execute instructions that operate on the data toimplement various aspects and features of the components of a gamblinghybrid game. The processor 1304 can utilize various input and outputdevices in accordance with the instructions and the data in order tocreate and operate user interfaces for players or operators of agambling hybrid game (such as but not limited to a casino that hosts thegambling hybrid game).

Although the processing apparatus 1300 is described herein as beingconstructed from a processor and instructions stored and executed byhardware components, the processing apparatus can be composed of onlyhardware components in accordance with other embodiments. In addition,although the storage device is described as being coupled to theprocessor through a bus, those skilled in the art of processingapparatuses will understand that the storage device can includeremovable media such as, but not limited to, a USB memory device, anoptical CD ROM, magnetic media such as tape and disks. Also, the storagedevice can be accessed by processor 1304 through one of the interfacesor over a network. Furthermore, any of the user input devices or useroutput devices can be coupled to the processor 1304 via one of theinterfaces or over a network. In addition, although a single processor1304 is described, those skilled in the art will understand that theprocessor 1304 can be a controller or other computing device or aseparate computer as well as be composed of multiple processors orcomputing devices including one or more processors.

Gambling Hybrid Games Including Gambling Intergrated Games

In accordance with many embodiments of the invention, a gambling hybridgame provides an entertainment game and a gambling game. A wide array ofentertainment games include explicit random events that are observableto the game's player(s) and often initiated by a player. Random eventscan include, but are not limited to, the drawing of cards, the rollingof a die, and the use of a spinner. These explicit random events can besingular or multiple, operating in parallel or in serial. For example,Monopoly® provided by Hasbro Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I. is played by eachplayer rolling a pair of dice at the onset of each turn to move a gamepiece around the board (singular per turn, and serially betweenplayers). In Risk® provided by Hasbro Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I., twoplayers roll dice simultaneously to establish the outcome of a battle,and the players continue to roll dice until the battle is resolved(parallel dice rolls occurring multiple times). In Scrabble® provided byHasbro Inc. of Pawtucket, R.I., a player draws tiles at random from apool of tiles. In War, players draw randomly ordered cards from a deckof cards and compare those cards each turn. These random events aretypically initiated by a player as part of a player's turn and can driveactions such as the movement of a player piece around a board (e.g.Monopoly®), the resolution of a battle between players (e.g. Risk®),establishing whether a character successfully deploys a specific skill(e.g. Dungeons and Dragons®), etc. Although the above examples discussedare board games, the same principle can be applied in computerizedversions of these games.

In accordance with several embodiments of the invention, the explicitrandom events in an entertainment game provided by a gambling hybridgame are harnessed to drive gambling events in a gambling game inconcert with the play of the entertainment game. For purposes of thisdiscussion, a gambling hybrid game that uses the random events in anentertainment game to determine the results of the gambling event and/orwagers on the gambling event are referred to as a Gambling IntegratedGame (GIG). A GIG uses the random events inherent in the underlyingentertainment game as a gambling game where the outcome of a randomevent or a set of random events in the entertainment game is linked tothe provisions of awards to a player. Examples of awards in accordancewith embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to,in-game objects, the alteration of in-game variables, and the allocationof credits to one or more pools being collected by the game operator(i.e. casino). A flow diagram of a process for providing a gamblinghybrid game with a GIG in accordance with embodiments of the inventionis illustrated in FIG. 14.

In process 1400, the player begins play of the gambling hybrid game(1405). Upon starting the game, the player selects (1410) between usingeither a player account to provide Real World Credits (RWC) and/or gameworld credits (GWC) for play (1412) or may play a stand-alone or hostversion (1411) of the game in which RWC and/or GWC is entered on aper-play basis. Regardless of the selected type of game play, the playerthen chooses the denominations or wagering amount to use during gameplay (1415). The ESE then provides the game play of the entertainmentgame (1420). During game play of the entertainment game, the playerinitiates a random event (1425).

The results of the random event are generated and the awards and/orwager results in the gambling game based upon the random event aredetermined. The results of the wagers and/or awards are provided to theplayer and displayed as part of the game play (1435). For example, agambling hybrid game with a gambling integrated game provides acomputerized version of a board game wherein object of the game is toadvance around a board, acquiring spaces on the board, and chargingrents to other players who land on the acquired spaces, such as in thegame of Monopoly®. In the game, a player rolls two 6-sided die eachturn. In addition to dictating how far the player moves his piece in theentertainment game, the dice roll determines which one of the 36possible permutations (where die 1 and die 2 are called out separately)or 21 permutations (where only sum of the dice is called out)corresponds to a specific monetary payout relative to the creditscommitted to the gambling game before the dice were “rolled” in a GIGversion of the electronic board game. In accordance with someembodiments of an electronic board game GIG, each of the 36 or 21possible permutations correspond to at least one of a payout to theplayer, a possible allocation to a bonus pool, the alteration of anin-game variable, a loss of funds by the player, and a gain of funds bythe player.

In accordance with some embodiments, the results of wagers and/or awardscan include, but are not limited to contribution to a bonus pool that isawarded as a function of subsequent random events; a RC win for theplayer; a RC loss for the player; a RC draw for the player; acontribution to a bonus pool that is awarded as a function of playerskill and/or as a function of a player's performance in one or moreinstances of the entertainment game; a contribution to an interstitialcredit, such as Quanta, that the player can use in the current gamesession and/or over multiple game sessions to alter entertainment gamevariables; a contribution to a specific entertainment game variablewithout player selection or input; and a contribution to a bonus poolthat is applied to a subsequent competition or tournament that theplayer may or may not become eligible to enter based upon factorsincluding, but not limited to, the demonstrated skill of the player inthe entertainment game, money committed to the gambling game, hoursspent playing the game, and player club status. In accordance with someembodiments, the award and/or wager may be provided in lieu of therandom event affecting the entertainment game. For example, the playermay gain the ability to move their piece or one of the above effects maytake place in a gambling hybrid game providing an electronic board gameas an entertainment game in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In accordance with the embodiment, the results of the randomevent may be affected by direct allocation of each possible randomoutcome to one of the above mentioned outcomes in a gambling game or amove in the entertainment game. For example, a first die roll of a “2”and a second die roll of a “5” may result in a RC win and no longerprovide a move of seven squares in the Monopoly game. In accordance withsome embodiments, an addition of an additional random number generatingelement (a third die for example) is introduced into the entertainmentgame that causes the fundamental random number generating element (thetwo dice) to be interpreted as either a conventional move in theunderlying entertainment game, or instead as one of the above effects.In accordance with a number of embodiments, the impact of the underlyingexplicit random number generating mechanism in the entertainment gamemay be accumulated over multiple occurrences of the explicit randomevents in the entertainment game. For example, rather than the outcomeof a single roll of the dice by a player during a player turn in anelectronic board game employing two six-sided dice which would limit theoutcome to one of 36 distinct outcomes, the results of multiple dicerolls accumulated across several turns may be considered at one time sothat a greater number of permutations of the result are possible. Forexample, six rolls of the two dice by a single player or the rolls fromsix player turns may be used to drive the Random Effect to provide 612possible outcomes. After the results of the random event are determinedand displayed, game play of the entertainment game continues (1440).

Although specific processes for providing gambling hybrid games with aGIG are discussed above with respect to FIG. 14, any of a variety ofprocesses for providing a gambling hybrid game with a GIG can beutilized as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications inaccordance with embodiments of this invention.

In accordance with some embodiments, the entertainment game in agambling hybrid game with a GIG has different random events that may beinitiated at a given time. The results of a gambling event correspondingto the random event may depend on the odds associated the random eventinitiated. A flow diagram of a process for providing a GIG withdifferent odds for a random event in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention is shown in FIG. 15.

In process 1500, the player begins play the gambling hybrid game (1505).Upon starting the game, the player selects (1510) between using either aplayer account to provide Real World Credits (RWC) and/or game worldcredits (GWC) for play (1512) or may play a stand-alone or host version(1511) of the game in which RWC and/or GWC is entered on a per-playbasis. Regardless of the selected type of game play, the player choosesthe denominations or wagering amount to use during game play (1515). Theentertainment engine then provides the game play of the entertainmentgame (1520). The odds for each random event option are then determinedfor the GIG (1525) and displayed to the player (1530). During game play,the player initiates a random event from the random event options(1535). The results of the initiated random event are generated and theawards in the gambling game based upon the random event are determined.The results of any wagers and/or rewards are provided to the player anddisplayed as part of the game play (1540). The results of the randomevent on game play of the entertainment are determined (1542). Thedetermined outcomes of wagers and/or awards provided to the player basedupon the random event are displayed (1545) and game play of theentertainment game continues (1540). The determination of the results ofthe random event is performed in a manner similar to the determinationdescribed above with reference to FIG. 14.

Although a specific process for providing a gambling hybrid game with aGIG is discussed above with respect to FIG. 15, any of a variety ofprocesses for providing a gambling hybrid game with a GIG can beutilized as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications inaccordance with embodiments of this invention.

In accordance with many embodiments of the invention, the determinationof the payout of a wager and/or award based upon the results of a randomevent in the entertainment game may be influenced by other information.This information includes, but is not limited to, Entertainment Game(EG) variables; player information; and casino and/or game providerinformation. A flow diagram showing the passing of information duringthe provision of a gambling hybrid game with a GIG in accordance withembodiments of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 16.

Player 1601 provides player inputs to the entertainment game. The inputscause the entertainment game to update EG variables 1605 that indicatethe state of the entertainment game. The player inputs also initiate anevent with a random component 1610. EG variables 1605 and informationabout the event with a random component 1610 are provided to a GIGengine. The GIG engine also receives player information from a playermanagement system 1620 and provider information from a casino and/or agame provider 1615. Random Number Generator (RNG) 1617 can be used todetermine the results of the event with a random component 1610 in theentertainment game and the gambling game. The entertainment game usesthe results of the event with a random component to update the EGvariables 1635 and the player user interface 1630. The gambling gameuses the results of the event with a random component to determine theresults of the gambling event 1645 and any RC 1650 rewarded for wagersbased upon the results of the gambling game.

A flow diagram of a process for providing a GIG that uses the results ofa random event and other information to determine the results of therandom event in the entertainment game to determine results in agambling event in a gambling game in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention is shown in FIG. 17.

In process 1700, the player begins play of the gambling hybrid game(1705). Upon starting the game, the player selects (1710) between usingeither a player account to provide Real World Credits (RWC) and/or gameworld credits (GWC) for play (1712) or may play a stand-alone or hostversion (1711) of the game in which RWC and/or GWC is entered on aper-play basis. Regardless of the selected type of game play, the playerchooses the denominations or wagering amount to use during game play(1715). The entertainment engine then provides the game play of theentertainment game (1720). The GIG engine receives player informationfrom player management system 1726, EG variables 1728 from the ESE andprovider information from the casino or game provider 1727. The odds foreach random event option may then be determined for the GIG using theplayer information, provider information, EG variables, and otherentertainment game information (1730) and displayed to the player(1735). During game play, the player initiates a random event from therandom event options (1740). The results of the initiated random eventare determined and the awards in the gambling game based upon the randomevent, the player information, provider information, and EG variablesare determined and the results of any wagers and/or rewards are providedto the player and displayed as part of the game play (1745). The resultsof the random event on game play of the entertainment are determined(1747). The results of the wagers and/or awards provided to the playerbased upon the random event are displayed (1750) and game play of theentertainment game continues (1755).

Although a specific process for providing a gambling hybrid game with aGIG is discussed above with respect to FIG. 17, any of a variety ofprocesses for providing a gambling hybrid game with a GIG can beutilized as appropriate to the requirements of specific applications inaccordance with embodiments of this invention.

Examples of Gambling Hybrid Games with a Gig

In accordance with some embodiments of a gambling hybrid games with aGIG, the entertainment game provided is a strategy-based game. A flowdiagram of a process for providing a GIG with a strategy-based game asthe entertainment game is shown in FIG. 18. In process 1800, the playerinitiates the strategy-based entertainment game (1805). Game play of thestrategy-based game commences (1810). As game play proceeds, the GIGgenerates an odds table for a random event. The player then initiatesthe random event (1820). An example of a random event in Astrategy-based game is when a player attacks a country on the game boardoccupied by a troop of another player. The attack continues until theplayer wins or withdraws (1822). For each roll of the dice during theattack, the GIG generates a random result using the RNG (1825). The GIGthen processes the results of the random event in the gambling game andthe results of the random event in the entertainment game (1830). If theattack fails (1837), the in-game results are recorded and game play ofthe entertainment game continues (1850). If the attack is successful,the in-game results of the successful attack are recorded and the awardand/or results of wagers in the gambling game are determined (1840). Theawards and/or results of the wagers are displayed (1845) and game playof the entertainment game continues (1850).

Although a specific process for providing a gambling hybrid game with aGIG providing a strategy game as the entertainment game is discussedabove with respect to FIG. 18, any of a variety of processes forproviding a gambling hybrid game with a GIG can be utilized asappropriate to the requirements of specific applications in accordancewith embodiments of this invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of a gambling hybrid game with a GIGthat provides a strategy game as the entertainment game, players engagein battles between groups of armies using one, two or three dice each,depending upon the number of armies each player is using to attack ordefend. Over the course of a battle, there can be multiple rolls of thedice until one party is victorious or the attacker withdraws. The set ofcombinations of dice are known as a function of the number of troopseach party uses in the battle. Each party is required in this example tocontribute a specific sum of RC to each battle as a function of thenumber of troops that the party has committed to that battle as a wholein accordance with the embodiment. Flowever, in accordance with otherembodiments, RC is committed at a fixed amount per battle regardless ofthe number of troops committed. In accordance with still otherembodiments, the amount of RC committed is a function of the number ofdice rolled during each round of a battle. The combination of diceoutcomes can be used to drive one or more of the following: acontribution to a pool to be paid to the winner of the specifichead-to-head battle; a contribution to a tournament pool to which theplayers may or may not ultimately gain entry; and a contribution to apool to be paid to the winner of the specific game. In severalembodiments, there is no feedback from the gambling game to theentertainment game other than that already inherent in thestrategy-based game. In particular, the winner of the battle gains moreterritory and territory cards and may therefore ultimately receive morearmies at the onset of the next turn of the winner. In accordance withother embodiments, one or more of the dice outcomes may cause a playerto receive an award. Examples of awards include, but are not limited toadditional armies; and special features including, but not limited to,extra attack dice for an attach, better attack odds, and betterdefending odds.

In another particular example, Player 1 attacks Japan from Kamchatkawith 10 troops. Player 2 defends Kamchatka with four troops. Therefore,Player 1 is required to commit 10 RC to the battle, and player 2 isrequired to commit four RC to the battle. The battle proceeds in themanner shown in the following table.

Player 1 Player 2 Troops at Troops at start of start of Player 1 Player2 Battle Round round round Dice Rolls Dice Rolls 1 10 4 2, 3, 4 3, 6 2 84 4, 4, 5 2, 6 3 7 3 2, 1, 3 5, 3 4 5 3 6, 5, 1 4, 5 5 5 1 3, 4, 2 4 6 41 6, 3, 4 5 7 4 0 N/A N/AAs shown in the table, Player 1 takes over the country after six roundsof battle having lost six of his initial troops and Player 2 has lostall four of his troops. As a result of the battler the following randomeffects result in accordance with the embodiment:

-   -   A Victory Bonus—Player 1 receives a credit back from her        commitment as a function of having won the battle. 1 credit        returned to player 1;    -   A Strong Defender Bonus—Player 2 receives a credit back from his        commitment as a function of having lost fewer troops than        player 1. One credit to player 2; and    -   Game Victory Pool—1 credit from the attacking player (Player 1)        is committed to a pool at the onset of the battle that will be        awarded to the ultimate winner of the strategy-based game.

The gambling outcome for Player 1 in the example is determined in thefollowing manner. 8 RC from Player 1 are committed to the random outcomethat is ultimately determined by the numerical sequence{2,3,4,4,4,5,2,1,3,6,5,1,3,4,2,6,3,4}. The numerical sequence is lookedup in a table that can be dynamically generated at the onset of thebattle. The table reflects all the possible outcomes of the engagement(including either player withdrawing before being defeated) with regardsto rolls of Player 1. Prizes are allocated to each possible numericalcombination in the table as a function of a prescribed distribution ofoutcomes dictated by the game. The prizes may be RC; in-game variables;in-game objects; or other items of value in accordance with theembodiment. The outcome of the process may be represented to Player 1graphically through a variety of means including, but not limited to, agraphical representation of a slot machine or other gambling game. Inthe specific example, Player 1 loses the gambling game and is notawarded any RC.

The gambling outcome for Player 2 is determined in the following manner.3 RC from Player 2 are committed to the random outcome that isultimately determined by the numerical sequence {3,6,2,6,5,3,4,5,4,5}.The numerical sequence is looked up in a table that can be dynamicallygenerated at the onset of the battle, and which reflects all thepossible outcomes of that engagement (including Player 2 withdrawingbefore being conquered) with regards to the rolls of Player 2. Prizesare allocated to each possible numerical combination in the table as afunction of a prescribed distribution of outcomes dictated by the game.The prizes may be RC; in-game variables; in-game objects; or other itemsof value in accordance with the embodiment. The outcome of this processmay be represented to Player 2 graphically through a variety of meansincluding, but not limited to, a graphical representation of a slotmachine or other gambling game. In this specific example, Player 2 winsthe gambling game and is awarded 10 RC.

In the net, Player 1 loses 9 RCs net as a result of the battle andPlayer 2 gains 7 RCs. Further, 1 RC is allocated to a pool for theultimate winner of the strategy-based game.

In accordance with another embodiment of a gambling hybrid game with aGIG and providing A strategy-based as the entertainment game, an attackby Player 1 on a country protected by Player 2 is performed in thefollowing manner. When player 1 attacks player 2 with a given number oftroops on each side, the probability of Player 1 winning is at a knownmaximum. The probability can be less in so far as Player 1 may withdrawwithout completing the battle. However, maximum probability of Player 1winning is known, and more specifically, the likelihood of Player 1winning with N troops remaining is known. A following table can beconstructed and shown to Player 1 before (or after) troops are committedto the battle given the number of troops that Player 1 and Player 2 eachhave committed to the battle (ten and four respectively). The followingtable shows the odd of Player 1 winning with N troops remaining.

Percentage Odds of Winning with N troops N remaining 10 0.04%   9 0.4% 8  6% 7 12% 6 14% 5 18% 4 21% 3 15% 2 14% 1  5%

The above percentages are for exemplary purposes only and do not add to100% because there is also the prospect of the Player 1 losing thebattle. The following table adds a third column and an additional datapoint (the case of withdrawal or loss) to the above table to show Player1 the credits awarded for a 10 credit bet based on the outcome of thebattle. This table will be generated by the game logic with input fromthe casino, regulator, and/or other providers to reflect the desiredgambling performance/volatility of the game. In accordance with thisembodiment, only the attacking party will have a gambling game initiatedas a function of committing troops to the battle. However, it ispossible to provide a similar gambling game to the defending party usinga similar process in accordance with some embodiments. Furthermore, thepercentage odds in the second column could be represented to the playeras odds as opposed to percentages in accordance with some embodiments.For example, the table could show “1-in-500” instead of “0.2%”.

Percentage Odds Payout on 10 of Winning with N committed N troopsremaining credits 10  0.2%   1000 9 4% 250 8 12%  100 7 11%  11 6 10% 10 5 7% 8 4 5% 1 3 5% 0 2 4% 0 1 3% 0 LOSS OR 36.8%   0 WITHDRAWAL

In the above table, the percentages are for exemplary purposes only.

Player 1 commits to the battle after looking at the above table and thebattle plays out in step-wise fashion where the attacker decides whetherto continue or withdraw after each roll. In accordance with theembodiment, the attacker's funds are committed, and withdrawal at anytime leads to a complete loss of the committed funds. However, the gamemay provide the player with an “opt out” after each round where theplayer would lose some but not all of the committed credits inaccordance with some embodiments. For example, Player 1 may want to “optout” after a single round of the battle in response to a roll of thethree die that led to the loss two troops. Player 1 may “opt out” at thecost of 5 RC or some other substantial penalty).

Once the battle is complete, Player 1 is paid out according to the abovetable. As in the previous embodiment, a portion of the funds committedby the player may also be allocated to a number of different pools. Forexample, a single credit may be allocated to a pool to be awarded to theoverarching winner of the Strategy-based game in accordance with theembodiment. Another credit may be awarded to the defender for winningthe battle in accordance with the embodiment. If the defender wins thebattle the credit, as with all, may be allocated from an overarchingpool as controlled by the game and/or casino; or may be directly shiftedfrom Player 1 to Player 2 depending on the embodiment. Another creditmay be allocated to a tournament pool in accordance with the embodiment.Allocations of credits played in a bonus round that relates to skilland/or gambling (i.e. luck) can also be made in accordance with someembodiments. Each type of allocation the funds can be drawn directlyfrom player contributions or an overarching marketing pool that is notexplicitly tied to the flow of credits during a given game session.

After Player 1 is paid out according to the above table, play continuesas before. In accordance with this example, game play continues byPlayer 1 continuing the turn until complete. Player 2 then draftsarmies, places the armies on the board, attacks adjacent enemyterritories (and gambles) as desired, and then moves troops beforeending his turn. The process is repeated for each player (includingcomputer driven players) in the game until the game is completed.

In accordance with another embodiment of a gambling hybrid game with aGIG having A strategy-based as the entertainment game, theStrategy-based game may be implemented in a GIG context where theaforementioned table operates not in context of a payout for a specificbattle victory scenario (e.g. a win with 7 troops remaining) but to payout as a function of winning with at least X troops remaining. This maybe simpler to convey to the player. The table for determining payouts isshown in the following table where the percentages herein are exemplaryonly and not meant to be representative of the actual odds associatedwith the outcomes in a Strategy-based game.

Payout on 10 Player 1 Battle Percentage committed Outcome Odds creditsWin with 10 0.2%  1000 troops remaining Win with 6+ 35% 15 troopsremaining Win with 6 > x > 3 15% 12 troops remaining Win with 3 or 10% 5fewer troops Lose or withdraw 0

One skilled in the art will recognize that the player need not beexposed to the odds explicitly when showing the possible payouts.

In accordance with still another embodiment of a gambling hybrid gamewith a GIG having A strategy-based as the entertainment game, a givenbattle consists of a number of rounds, or “attacks” made by theattacking player. For each attack, the attacking player can claw back aportion of a wager committed to the gambling game. The claw back is paidonly if the player wins (or in some implementations wins or draws) theattack round and the player is paid as a function of the # of troopsattacked relative to the # of troops defending as shown in the followinggeneral equation.

Claw Back per Attack Round=f(# of troops attacking,# of troopsdefending)

The following is an example of a specific clawback formula for game playin accordance with the embodiment:

-   -   A=# of troops attacking    -   D=# of troops    -   defending    -   W=RC (or VC) committed to gambling game Claw

Back per Attack Round=C*W*(D/A) where D<A

Claw Back per Attack Round=C*W*(A/D) where D>A

Where C is defined as

C=0.1*(1/n)

-   -   n    -   n=attack round in the given battle (t. e. 1, 2, 3, etc.)

In accordance with some embodiments, the claw back process can belimited by the game logic and/or the casino to persist only for amaximum of n rounds (e.g. 10). The above is a single example, and it ispossible to construct any other manner of formulaic approach, includingapproaches that increase the claw back with each ongoing attack round,rather than decrementing it.

Beyond the claw back process, a payout to a player winning the battle isestablished as a function of the # of die “rolled” during the battle atthe end of the battle in accordance with a number of embodiments. Aseries of tiers may be set as a function of the number of die rolled andprizes are allocated to each tier in accordance with some embodiments. Atable dictating the prizes for each tier is used to establish the payoutin accordance with many of the embodiments. The prizes can vary as afunction of the ultimate performance of the die rolls relative to agiven table. The prizes may also vary from table to table to account forthe number of die rolls in a battle. For example, a table for a battlethat entailed 5 die rolls for the attacker would likely have a muchlower maximum payout than a table that reflected a battle that entailed20 die rolls.

An example of tables in accordance with an embodiment of the inventionthat account for the different amount of die rolls in a battle is givenbelow. The payouts are different because of the amount of RC committedis based on the number of die rolled during the battle in accordancewith the embodiment. Each die roll result (e.g. a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6) ofa player is added together to ascertain a player's score. The score isthen cross-referenced against a table to establish a payout based on thenumber of die rolls by the player. The first table shows a table for 20die rolls in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Dice Roll Score Payout on 20 for 20 Rolls committed credits 110 <= X5,000 100 <= X < 110 2,000 80 <= X < 100 100 X = 20 20,000 X < 80, X ≠20 0 Lose or withdraw NIL

The following table is for a battle that only entailed 5 dice rolls. Thepayouts are less than payouts on the first table because the oddsassociated with the various outcomes are much greater than in the 20 diecase.

Dice Roll Score Payout on 5 for 5 Rolls committed credits 27 < X 500 25<= X <= 27 100 20 <= X < 25 10 X = 5 1000 X < 20, X ≠ 5 0 Lose orwithdraw NIL

In addition to the gambling mechanisms in a GIG described for the aboveembodiments, GWC may be accumulated as a function of battles won inaccordance with some embodiments. In many embodiments, any battle wonwould generate the same amount of GWC. In accordance with manyembodiments, the payout of GWC is a function of the ratio of the numberof initial troops of the winner of the battle relative to number ofinitial troops of the loser. GWC may also be awarded to a player losinga battle if the player's performance in the battle was “heroic” inaccordance with a number of embodiments. For example, the playerdestroyed 20 attacking troops before losing the 3 defending troops. Theamount of GWC and/or the player's ultimate status at the end of the game(1st place, 2nd, etc.) may dictate in whole or in part the awarding of afixed or variable cash prize and/or count towards entry into atournament (i.e. a player may need a fixed amount of GWC accumulatedthrough The strategy-based game play to gain entry) in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention. Other variables may also introducedby the casino could also affect the prize in accordance with a number ofembodiments.

In some embodiments, a sequence of random events (such as dice rolls) ina portion of an entertainment game are provided for, and a gamblingoutcome (such as a payout) is generated as an accumulated result ofthose random events. In many such embodiments for electronicstrategy-based games, a battle may consist of a number of differentskirmishes. Each skirmish requires the rolling of dice (random events inthe entertainment game) and the generation of an RNG result (randomoutcome in the gambling game.) At the end of each skirmish, the GIG mayprovide updated odds tables for the battle. Lower odds of winning in theentertainment game may be offset by higher possible payouts in ahigher-volatility wager.

In some additional embodiments, a player may stake an ante on thebattle. Leaving the battle after a skirmish may require the forfeitingof that ante.

In some embodiments, a battle may consist of a number of differentskirmishes, the total sequence of serial dice rolls (the random eventsin the entertainment game) may be used to generate the RNG (thegamblifor the GIG.

Another example of a gambling hybrid game with a GIG in accordance withembodiments of this invention provides a word game as an entertainmentgame. In a word game, a player randomly selects tiles of letters from apool of tiles and attempts to place words on a game board using theselected tiles. An example of a word game is Scrabble®. The GIG drivesgambling events based upon the random nature receiving tiles from thepool. At the time the tiles are selected, the odds associated withpulling any specific combination of letters from the pool are known. Assuch, gambling propositions can be offered to the player each time thatshe selects tiles from the pool as part of the overarching game play. Aswith any GIG game, the player can be offered a prescribed gambling game,and/or have the option to choose from one or more gambling games inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. A process for providinggambling hybrid game with a GIG game based upon a word game inaccordance with embodiments of the invention is shown in FIG. 19.

In process 1900, the player initiates the gambling hybrid game with aword game as the entertainment game (1905). Game play of the word gamecommences (1910). At the beginning of a player's turn, the GIG generatesodds tables for pulling a specific combination of letters (1915). Theplayer then allocates wagers to a bet on one or more of the specificcombinations of letters. The player then receives the tiles with lettersfrom the pool of tile (1925) based upon the results of RNG provided bythe GIG (1930). The GIG then processes the results of the tiles received(1937) by the player and resolves any wagers and/or awards based uponthe tiles received (1940). Depending on the results, the process may berepeated to provide other wagers and/or random events. The results ofthe wager (1940) and any RC won based wagers (1942) are then displayedto the player (1945) and game play continues (1950).

Although a specific process for providing a gambling hybrid game with aGIG providing a word game as the entertainment game is discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 19, any of a variety of processes for providing agambling hybrid game with a GIG can be utilized as appropriate to therequirements of specific applications in accordance with embodiments ofthis invention.

For example, a player turn may occur as follows. A player receives threetiles from the pool to replace tiles used to form a word on the gameboard. To obtain the tiles, player commits three RC to one or moregambling games based upon previous decisions by the player in thecontext of casino provided choices. The GIG offers the player a highvolatility, a mild volatility and a low volatility proposition asfollows: a high volatility proposition is “Draw A-A-A and win 2000credits per credit bet”; a medium volatility proposition is “Draw twovowels and win 2 credits per credit bet”; and a low volatilityproposition is “Draw three consonants and win 10 credits per creditbet”.

The player can allocate the three credits in any of the followingmanners: one of the three credits to each of the above propositions; twocredits to one proposition and the third credit to a second proposition;or all three credits to a single proposition. In accordance with anumber of embodiments, the game shows the player the odds associatedwith each available bet. In accordance with many embodiments, the playermay not be provided choices. Instead, the player is provided apre-structured table of potential outcomes such as the following table.In accordance with some embodiments, the percentage odds can beconstructed given the number of tiles that need to be drawn, and thetiles remaining in the bag with blank tiles considered as wild cards.The player may or may not be shown the column “Percentage Odds ofDrawing this Tile Set” depending on the embodiment.

Percentage Tiles Pulled Odds of Payout on 3 (order is Drawing thiscommitted significant) Tile Set credits A-A-A 0.1%  250 Two vowels 36% 3and one consonant Three 12% 4 consonants Three vowels 12% 4 C-O-W0.005%   3,000 D-O-G 0.003%   10,000 Three vowels 12% 4 All others 17% 0

One skilled in the art will recognize that the above percentages are forillustrative purposes only and the exact percentages can change as gameplay proceeds. During each turn, the player will see a new set of payoutpossibilities immediately before drawing tiles from the bag. Inaccordance with some embodiments, display of the table may be initiatedby the player using a button; an on-screen control; and/or some othermechanism. In general, the GIG can structure the payouts and select thewinning options to provide the same overarching expected payout pergambling game in accordance with many embodiments. In a number ofembodiments, the volatility can vary from the onset of the game towardsthe end of the game. During game play of certain games, such as “WordsWith Friends”, the number of tiles in the bag diminishes as the gameprogresses causing the range of outcomes to narrow. As a result, it maynot be possible to provide an equivalent distribution of outcomes orvolatility as when the game commenced.

In accordance with some embodiments of a gambling hybrid game with a GIGand providing a word game as the entertainment game, or any GIG, it isalso possible to offer gambling propositions that span multiple turns ofthe same player or multiple turns inclusive of more than one player.Because of the dependencies across player turns, and the fact that it isunknown how many tiles will be drawn in subsequent turns, this specificaspect may not be applicable in Words with Friends. Flowever, spanninggambling propositions across multiple turns may be practical in otherentertainment games where the explicit random elements are consistentfrom turn to turn. For example, in the game of LIFE®, the player spinsthe same spinner each turn, generating a random number between 1 and 10.

Other Features of a Gambling Hybrid Game with a Gig

In accordance with some embodiments, tournament entry for play ofgambling hybrid games with a GIG can be governed by overall GWC won,such that GIG games can each have a schema for awarding points for aplayer's in-game performance. Tournament entry can also be governed by aplayer's skill rating such that bands of skill can be established andplayers are given access to enter tournaments as a function of theirdemonstrated skill in accordance with a number of embodiments. Otherrequirements, such as number of games played, funds committed to games,a player's status vis-a-vis a casino's player's club, etc. can allimpact eligibility to enter a tournament where the tournaments being beeither for playing GIG game, or for playing the underlying entertainmentgame without the GIG component. Skill ratings can be established using anumber of systems, including ELO or modified ELO systems that accountfor the gambling outcomes experienced by the player to various extents.

In accordance with some embodiments, head-to-head betting is alsoavailable in a gambling hybrid game with a GIG game. Odds can be set asa function of a player's skill rating, experience, or other factors. Inaccordance with a number of embodiments, players can set their own betstructures as a function of their knowledge about one another, and/orthe subject of the bet (i.e. outright win vs. a specific in-gameachievement, etc.).

Provision of a Gambling Hybrid Game with a Gig

In accordance with several embodiments of this invention, the ESE, GWE,and RWE of a gambling hybrid game provides a GIG. A timing chart showingthe processes performed by the ESE, GWE, and RWE and the communicationsbetween these components to provide a GIG in accordance with anembodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIG. 20. The ESE 2000provides an entertainment game in which random events are utilized toimplement the game rules of an entertainment game. During the play ofthe entertainment game 2002, game events 2004 are communicated by theESE to a GWE 2006 that is included in a GIG engine 2008. The GWEreceives the game events and determines an occurrence of one or morerandom events within the entertainment game of the ESE and that aresolution to the one or more random events is needed by the ESE for theentertainment game. In addition, the GWE determines if the game eventsindicate an occurrence of one or more gambling events and that a wageror wagers should be initiated in accordance with a gambling propositionof a gambling game. The GWE communicates a request 2010 to an RWE 2012for random outcome information. The RWE receives the request anddetermines 2014 random outcome information 2016. The random outcomeinformation includes a sequence of one or more random outcomes that canbe used to resolve the one or more random events in the entertainmentgame. In addition, the sequence of one or more random outcomes can alsobe used to determine a resolution to the one or more gambling events. Insome embodiments, the random outcome information also includes acomplete resolution of one or more gambling events, such as payouts orthe like computed using a pay table that is a result of a wager inaccordance with the gambling proposition involving real or virtualcredits. The random outcome information is communicated by the RWE tothe GWE. The GWE uses the random outcome information to resolve 2018 theoccurrence of the one or random events for the ESE. The GWE thencommunicates the resolution 2020 to the ESE. The ESE receives theresolution from the GWE and integrates 2024 the resolution within theentertainment game. The resolution of the one or more random eventsand/or the integration of the resolution to the one or more randomevents is also displayed 2026 to the player. The GWE communicates to theESE the resolution of the occurrence of the one or more gambling events2028. The ESE receives the resolution of the occurrence of the one ormore gambling events and displays 2030 the resolution of the occurrenceof the one or more gambling events to the player within the context ofthe entertainment game.

In some embodiments, the GWE does not resolve the one or more randomevents for the ESE. Instead, the GWE communicates the random outcomeinformation directly to the ESE and the ESE generates the resolution tothe one or more random events.

In some embodiments, the GWE determines random outcome information forthe resolution of the occurrence of the one or more random events whilethe RWE determines random outcome information for the resolution of theoccurrence of the one or more gambling events.

In some embodiments, an accumulation of a sequence of random outcomes isused to resolve an occurrence of a gambling event while intermediaterandom outcomes of the sequence of random outcomes are used to resolveoccurrences of one or more random events in the entertainment game. Inmany of these embodiments, the RWE caches the intermediate randomoutcomes of the sequence of random outcomes until the sequence of randomoutcomes is complete enough that the sequence of random outcomes can beutilized to resolve the occurrence of the gambling event by generating agambling outcome. In some embodiments, the GWE caches the intermediaterandom outcomes of the sequence of random outcomes until the sequence ofrandom outcomes is complete enough that the sequence of random outcomescan be utilized to resolve the occurrence of the gambling event anddetermine a gambling outcome. In many embodiments, the GWE requests anentire sequence of random outcomes sufficient to resolve an occurrenceof a gambling event, and then determines resolutions of occurrences ofone or more random events in the entertainment game as the random eventsoccur in the entertainment game. Once enough random events have occurredcorresponding to the random outcomes that were used to determine theresolution to the gambling event, the resolution of the occurrence ofthe gambling event is communicated to the ESE for display to the player.

In some embodiments, the sequence of one or more random outcomes areused to resolve a sequence of random events in an entertainment game. Inmany embodiments, the entertainment game is an electronic strategy-basedgame, wherein the sequence of one or more random outcomes simulatethrows of dice that are associated with a player's action or a move inthe electronic strategy-based game. The results of each throw of thedice are communicated to the ESE for utilization in accordance with therules of the entertainment game to advance play of the entertainmentgame. In addition, a sequence of two or more throws of the dice are usedto resolve a gambling outcome. In various embodiments, the sequence ofone or more random outcomes simulates a series of die or dice throws orspinner spins that are used to resolve a sequence of random events in anelectronic board game, wherein each die throw or spinner spin isassociated with a movement along a path of the electronic board game.The results of each die or dice throw are communicated to the ESE foruse in the entertainment game so that a player may advance through thegame. In addition, a sequence of two or more die or dice throws orspinner spins are used to resolve a gambling outcome. In severalembodiments, the sequence of one or more random outcomes simulate aseries of random tile draws used to resolve a sequence of random eventsin an electronic word game. The results of each tile draw arecommunicated to the ESE for use in the entertainment game so that aplayer may play the electronic word game. In addition, the sequence oftwo or more tile draws are used to resolve a gambling outcome.

FIGS. 21A to 21E illustrate a display of a user interface of a GIG inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. In the figures, elementshaving the same element identifiers refer to either the same element orelements having the same functions. The entertainment game displayed isan electronic strategy game in which players compete against each otheror a computer to take and hold regions of a game board through simulatedmilitary-themed battles simulated using die throws. As illustrated, thedisplay 2100 includes an entertainment game portion (including astylized world map) and a gambling outcome display portion 2200.

The gambling outcome display portion 2200 is operational to displayinformation about the gambling proposition of the hybrid game. Thegambling outcome display portion 2200 of the display includes, but isnot limited to, a display of a denomination of the game 2202, a displayof an amount of real credits 2204 attributed to the player, and anamount of real credits 2206 about to be wagered.

The world map is divided into a plurality of world regions, such asregions 2102 and 2104, corresponding roughly with continents,sub-continents and/or large countries. A player may place one or moregame world resources representing “armies” or “troops”, such as gameresources 2106 and 2108, in each region controlled by a player. A playermay “attack” another adjacent region from a particular region using theone or more game world resources in that particular region. To do so,the player selects one of their regions (for example, as illustrated,the player has selected region 2102 having game world resources 2106)and then selects another adjacent region to attack (for example, asillustrated, region 2104 having game world resources 2108). Uponselection, the game world resources for each selected region aredisplayed (for example, as illustrated “Your Armies” 2120 and “EnemyArmies” 2122.) In addition, an amount of credits 2124 that the attackingplayer is about to wager is displayed. An “odds” button 2126 isselectable to display to a player the odds and/or pay tables associatedwith the player's proposed move. An “attack” button 2128 is operable toperform the proposed move or action.

Referring now to FIG. 21B, an odds and pay table display for a proposedmove by a player is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. The display 2300 includes a table 2302 including a pluralityof columns. In a first column, possible battle outcomes are displayed.In a second column, a probability that a particular battle outcome willoccur is shown. In a third column, a payout for a specified number ofcredits is shown. The odds and pay table display includes a “play”button 2304 selectable to cause the proposed battle to take place. Insome embodiments, an amount of a credit pool 2306 available to a playeron achieving a particular goal in the entertainment game is displayed.

In some embodiments, the number of real world credits committed to aproposed action or move is equal to, or is a function of, the number ofentertainment game resources the player is willing to commit to theproposed action or move. Accordingly, the odds table is generated basedon the game state of the entertainment game being played as well as apay table for a gambling proposition. The game state of theentertainment game may include, but is not limited to, an amount of gameworld resources available to the player, a position or location within agame world of the entertainment game, an amount of game world resourcesthat a player may be proposing to commit to a move or operation, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 21C, an operation of the display 2100 during aplayer move or action is illustrated in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention. As illustrated, the “attack” button 2128 has beenselected in order to initiate the player's move or action. Selection ofthe attack button by the player indicates an occurrence of a randomevent in the entertainment game. Selection of the attack button may alsoindicate an occurrence of a gambling event. In the display, an outcome2400 of a result of a random event in the entertainment game isdisplayed. In this embodiment, a result of a simulated dice throw isillustrated although other types of representations of the outcome ofthe random result may be utilized as appropriate for the underlyingentertainment game.

Continuing the exemplary embodiment, three dice are shown as having beenthrown for the player, as that is the number of entertainment gameresources that the player has committed to the proposed move or action,whereas the player's opponent has only thrown a single die, representingthe number of entertainment game resources that the opponent hasavailable to oppose the player's move or action. The results of the dicethrow are one possible random outcome resolution of the random event inthe entertainment game; however, additional random outcomes of asequence of random outcomes are to be determined before the gamblingevent can be resolved. In the simulated throw, the player rolled a two,a four and a four, whereas the player's opponent has thrown a singlesix. As none of the player's dice have a thrown value greater than theopponent's single thrown value of six, the player will lose oneentertainment game resource. Also, as the player's move is not yetcomplete (as the player has not either completed the proposed move oraction nor has the player withdrawn from the move or action) a gamblingoutcome of the wager has yet to be resolved.

Referring now to FIG. 21D, the player has lost an entertainment gameresource as reflected by the numeral “2” being displayed 2106. Inaddition, the loss of resources is reflected in the entertainment gameresource display 2120. As the gambling event has yet to be resolved, thewagered amount 2124 remains the same. In addition, the amount of credits2202 attributed to the player has not been updated.

Continuing the description of the exemplary embodiment, in the display,a random outcome 2402 of a resolution of a random event is displayed.Two dice are shown as having been thrown for the player, as that is thenumber of entertainment game resources that the player has committed tothe proposed move or action, whereas the player's opponent has onlythrown a single die, representing the number of entertainment gameresources that the opponent has available to oppose the player's move oraction. In the simulated throw, the player rolled two twos, whereas theplayer's opponent has thrown a single six. As none of the player's dicehave a thrown value greater than the opponent's single thrown value ofsix, the player will lose one entertainment game resource. Also, as theplayer's move is not yet complete (as the player has not eithercompleted the proposed move or action nor has the player withdrawn fromthe move or action) a gambling outcome of the wager has yet to beresolved as the sequence of random outcomes is not yet complete.

Referring now to FIG. 21E, the player has lost an entertainment gameresource as reflected by the numeral “1” being displayed 2106. Inaddition, the loss of resources is reflected in the entertainment gameresource display 2120. As the gambling event has yet to be resolved, thewagered amount 2124 remains the same. In addition, the amount of credits2202 attributed to the player has not been updated.

Continuing the description of the operation of the exemplary embodiment,in the display, a random outcome 2404 of a result of a random event isdisplayed. One die is shown as having been thrown for the player, asthat is the number of entertainment game resources that the player hascommitted to the proposed move or action, whereas the player's opponenthas also thrown a single die, representing the number of entertainmentgame resources that the opponent has available to oppose the player'smove or action. In the simulated throw, the player rolled a two, whereasthe player's opponent has thrown a single six. As the player's die hasthrown a value less than the opponent's thrown value of six, the playerwill lose one entertainment game resource. The sequence of random eventsis now complete, and the gambling event can now be resolved.

Referring now to FIG. 21F, the player has lost an entertainment gameresource as reflected by no entertainment game resources being displayed2106. In addition, the loss of resources is reflected in theentertainment game resource display 2120. As the sequence of randomoutcomes represented by simulated dice throws is now complete, thegambling event can now be resolved using the sequence of randomoutcomes. In this example, the gambling outcome is a loss to the player,and the wagered amount 2124 and 2204 are zeroed out. In addition, theamount of credits 2202 attributed to the player has been updated toreflect the loss.

Referring now to FIG. 21G, an operation of the display 2100 during aplayer move or action as the player is winning a wager with a winninggambling outcome is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. As illustrated, the “attack” button 2128 has been selected inorder to initiate the player's move or action. In the display, a randomoutcome 2408 of a result of a random event is displayed. In thisembodiment, a result of a simulated dice throw is illustrated althoughother types of representations of the outcome of the random result maybe utilized as appropriate for the underlying entertainment game.

Continuing the description of the operation of the exemplary embodiment,three dice are shown as having been thrown for the player, as that isthe number of entertainment game resources that the player has committedto the proposed move or action, whereas the player's opponent has onlythrown a single die, representing the number of entertainment gameresources that the opponent has available to oppose the player's move oraction. In the simulated throw, the player rolled a six, a three and atwo, whereas the player's opponent has thrown a single one. As at leastone of the player's dice has a thrown value greater than the opponent'ssingle thrown value of one, the player has completed the proposed moveor action by “winning” the “battle.” In addition, as the player's moveor action is complete, a sequence of random outcomes is also completeand the player's gambling outcome can also be determined as a resolutionto the gambling event. In this case, the player has a successful orwinning gambling outcome.

Referring now to FIG. 21H, the player has had a successful gamblingoutcome and a success display is generated 2500 within the context ofthe entertainment game. In addition, the amount of credits attributed tothe player 2202 has been updated as well as a display of credits won2502.

Although certain specific features and aspects of a gaming system havebeen described herein, many additional modifications and variationswould be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the featuresand aspects described herein may be implemented independently,cooperatively or alternatively without deviating from the spirit of thedisclosure. It is therefore to be understood that a hybrid gaming systemmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, theforegoing description of the hybrid gaming system should be consideredin all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theclaims to be determined as supported by this disclosure and the claims'equivalents, rather than the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A distributed gaming system comprising: aplayer's gaming device constructed to: execute an entertainment game;generate a user interface display that depicts a representation of theentertainment game; detect an event in the entertainment game that ismodified by a random outcome based on play of the entertainment game;communicate, to an electromechanical gaming machine by a network, theevent; resolve the event in the entertainment game using a wageroutcome; the electromechanical gaming machine coupled to the player'sgaming device by the network and constructed to receive credit from aplayer, comprising: a real credit controller configured to determine thewager outcome of a gambling game for a wager of an amount of credit; anda game world controller coupled to the real credit controller, whereinthe game world controller is configured to: receive, from the player'sgaming device by the network, the event; receive, from the real creditcontroller, the wager outcome; receive, from the player's gaming deviceby the network, game state information for the entertainment game;determine a resolution for the event in the entertainment game based onthe wager outcome; and communicate the resolution for the event to theplayer's gaming device by the network.
 2. The distributed gaming systemof claim 1, wherein the player's gaming device is further constructedto: associate a game status with a potential gambling event; request,from the electromechanical gaming, gambling parameters for the potentialgambling event; receive, from the electromechanical gaming machine, thegambling parameters for the potential gambling event; and provide thegambling parameters to the player during execution of the entertainmentgame by associating the gambling parameters with the game status.
 3. Thedistributed gaming system of claim 2, wherein the game world controlleris further configured to: generate the gambling parameters for thepotential gambling event.
 4. The distributed gaming system of claim 1,wherein the resolution for the event in the entertainment gamedetermines an amount of game world resources available in theentertainment game.
 5. The distributed gaming system of claim 1, whereinthe game world controller is further configured to provide a reward to aplayer based on a winning wager outcome.
 6. The distributed gamingsystem of claim 1, system of claim 1, wherein the game world controlleris further configured to provide player loyalty points to the playerbased on a losing wager outcome.
 7. The distributed gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the game world controller is further configured to:receive player information from a player management system; and use thewager outcome and the player information determine the resolution forthe event in the entertainment game.
 8. The distributed gaming system ofclaim 1 wherein the game world controller is further configured to:receive game provider information from a game provider system; and usethe wager outcome and the game provider information to determine theresolution for the event in the entertainment game.